groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel 

1

usually ground swell : a broad deep undulation of the ocean caused by an often distant gale or seismic disturbance

2

: a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion)

a groundswell of support

Examples of groundswell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There has been a groundswell of support for Tuttle from cinema professionals in Germany, Europe, and beyond. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026

There has been a groundswell of support for Tuttle from cinema professionals across Europe and beyond. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026

The way the roots took, and a foundation morphed into a groundswell. —Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026

With a groundswell of grassroots support as well as grants from Polk County and its Prairie Meadows casino, the Bondurant resident has helped establish about 60 distribution boxes in 25 Iowa counties since placing the first one in Des Moines in July 2023. —Kevin Baskins, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for groundswell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun

: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake